Touching moment daughter gets married in hospital so dying father can give her away

A devoted daughter got married in a hospital so that her dying dad could give her away.

Sarah Atkins had planned to tie the knot with Matthew Brown in a registry office today in front of 35 guests then go to a local pub for a meal and party to celebrate.

But the mum-of-six cancelled the plans when her 78-year-old father Barry, who is battling pancreatic cancer, was rushed to hospital on Monday after he came down with pneumonia

Teams at Sandwell Hospital rallied round to ensure that the service went ahead without a hitch.

Sarah, a 36-year-old school lunch time supervisor who has been with Matt for three years, told the Birmingham Mail: “It didn’t feel right if Dad couldn’t be there.

“Dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late February, and on Monday morning he was taken to hospital, after getting pneumonia.

“A consultant told us that he probably wouldn’t make it until Friday.

“I was adamant that I wanted him at the wedding, and we decided to try and sort it out.

“We decided to bring it forward. The hospital were amazing at helping us make it really special.”

Staff decorated the ward and Sarah was given a separate room by staff to get ready, while Matthew, a 41 year-old school caretaker, waited in a side room.

The couple have two children together and two each from previous relationships.

And all six attended the wedding – there was Madison, aged nine months, Ellie, one; Matthew’s children Keiron, aged 21, and Jade, 20; and Sarah’s children Daniel Gent, 17, and Chloe Gent, 15.

“I got ready, and then a nurse wheeled my dad in to see me,” said Sarah.

“We came down the corridor together, with Dad in his wheelchair and he was able to give me away.

“It was really nice, and most of the staff on that day came to have a look. Some of them got quite emotional, as they had been with us for the last 24 hours caring for Dad.

“I know that he was really pleased that he could be there.”

The ceremony was then carried out by Rev Leonhard Cox who spoke of how extraordinary it was that those close to Barry, a retired engineer, had made it possible for him to see his daughter get married.

Rev Cox said: “The most important thing to do was to keep the focus on Matthew and Sarah and remember that these two people are going to love and protect each other through all of life’s trials and tribulations.”